By Carole Smethurst (owner of Bicton Travel and cruisefinder.com.au) Silver Spirit is a well chosen name for the new flagship of the Silversea fleet. Silver Spirit represents an exciting development in the tried and tested formula that has brought the luxurious Silversea ships to the very top of the cruising tree and a loyal following of Venetian Society members. Members might be a little taken aback when they first see Silver Spirit. She has definitely broken the mould of the Silver Cloud, Wind, Shadow and Whisper. She is bigger with a capacity for 540 guests and the décor is certainly different to the other ships – cosierand trendier in the public areas. But she comes with a number of plusses – more veranda suites, more dining choices and more onboard amenities.
I was fortunate enough to be onboard shortly after she left Italy and headed to the Monaco headquarters of the Silversea cruise company. We only spent one night at sea in the Mediterranean from Monte Carlo to Barcelona and as luck would have it we were hit by a Force 9 gale. But Silver Spirit handled the conditions exceptionallywell and with a day in port we were able to try three of the dining venues onboard.
On every cruise wine restaurant Le Champagne will feature a series of menus designed around a central theme – a celebration of wine in collaboration with Relais & Chateaux Master Chef Jacques Thorel. The menus, both regional and seasonal are paired with wines reflecting those regions of the world renowned for their rich wine heritage. The theme for our visit was Foie de Gras and as delightful as the food was six courses of Foie de Gras served in enchantingly different ways would have tested the most robust of palates.
La Terrazza offers a more casual indoor/outdoor buffet-style dining experience embodying the national philosophy of Italy – simple preparations of the freshest ingredients. It’s a formula that works well.
The Restaurant could have been taken straight off any of the Silversea ships, impeccable service and exclusive menus by Relais & Chateaux. A new addition is Seishin, taking its name from the Japanese word for spirit. This intimate restaurant specializes in Asia fusion and guests can watch the Chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi at La Table du Chef.
And after all that glorious food you can work off the extra kilos in The Spa at Silversea. The fitness facility offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and the fitness director can arrange personal coaching or you can join daily group classes open to all fitness levels. Soothe the aches and pains with a herbal poultice or bamboo massage or visit the Medi-spa physician to soften those lines and wrinkles with Botox and Dysport.
The Silver Spirit is the perfect ship if you are looking for an all inclusive stressful break, indulgence and relaxation. It comes with butler service, complimentary beverages, open-seating dining and in-suite dining, a champagne welcome and a choice of Bvlgari or Ferragamo luxury bathroom amenities.
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